For those just arriving in a new country, the process of shopping can be a bit intimidating. Fortunately, new technology can help ease the process and make living in a new country just a bit easier.

Not only do new arrivals have to learn where all the shops and stores are located, but they must also adjust to the pricing structure. What might be considered a deal in one country could easily end up overpriced in another.

This is where technology can really help out. Anyone with an internet connection and credit card can easily shop online and have their goods sent to them. Many of these sites offer deals on shipping depending on the amount of items purchased. For example, if you plan on buying many items for a new apartment, it's possible you might be eligible for free shipping or other discounts, depending on which site you use.

Perhaps the best part of shopping online is that it makes it easy to comparison shop instantly. Using sites like Google's Product Search, a savvy shopper will be able to find which sites are offering the best discounts. This is simply a much more efficient way of comparison shopping than going to each store and remembering the prices for a particular item.

Even when you're out and about, smartphones have revolutionized the way many people choose to shop. Using a free barcode scanner app available from many major companies, shoppers can use their phone's camera to scan a code, then look up prices online to ensure that they're getting a good deal.

One thing to keep in mind when shopping online is to use reputable sites. Companies like Amazon, Overstock, Wal-Mart and many more have nearly every product imaginable, and provide resources for customers if there ends up being a problem with the item or order.

Technology doesn't just help out with shopping. It's now easier than ever to send money online via an international wire transfer. The same rules for shopping online apply here as well – especially when choosing a secure site. Specifically, look for options that have logos certifying their accredits from VeriSign Secured, the Better Business Bureau or the TRUSTe Certified Privacy group to ensure that the site is reputable.

Besides ordering products directly online, there are a number of other ways the internet can be useful. Sites like Groupon, an online coupon website, have been all the rage as of late in the U.S. Essentially, these websites offer different localized deals each day, as a way of promoting the different businesses that have signed up for the service. If you know that a business is on Groupon or a similar site, waiting until a deal pops up can be a great way to save some money.

If you're really serious about saving, one idea that could potentially help in your bargain hunting is to set up an email address solely to receive special offers. Nearly every major retailer offers electronic mailing lists that include coupons and deals, similar to flyers in a local newspaper. Many people often treat this as spam, but there are occasionally some great deals for those who pay attention. Signing up for newsletters and mailing lists on a separate email address ensures that you keep your inbox tidy while not missing out on any discounts.

Finally, technology has simply made some transactions a lot simpler. For example, those who don't like to spend a lot of time at the supermarket could quickly find their take-out expenses racking up quickly. Fortunately, many supermarkets now offer home delivery for groceries, and the surcharges for this service are often not as expensive as one might think. The ease of ordering food and other essentials online definitely beats the hassle of the supermarket – and some specialized sites even offer ethnic cuisine, if you're missing a taste of back home.

The Spanish national team proved its dominance with a 4-0 thrashing of the U.S. at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Coming off their World Cup win, not many will doubt that Spain is the best team in the world right now. Yet the U.S. wasn't completely counted out of this matchup. In 2009's Confederations Cup, the U.S. was able to score the upset win over Spain in one of the defining moments for the U.S. soccer program.

That loss, which snapped a Spanish unbeaten streak, seemed to be fresh on the mind of Spain's players. The U.S. meanwhile, didn't exactly field their first-choice lineup, as the team is preparing for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The U.S. held out for 28 minutes, but was demoralized with two back-to-back goals from Santi Cazorla and Alvaro Negredo. Some might argue that it was Cazorla's showcase, as the Villareal winger scored again just four minutes from halftime. Fernando Torres capped things off with a goal in the second half, with only substitute Clint Dempsey showing a flash of creativity for the U.S. team.

Spain seems to be on top of the world right now when it comes to soccer, which can certainly lead to match days with a festive atmosphere. Online money orders allow those overseas to send money back home to their loved ones to help with the celebrations.

Identity theft is a concern for many in the U.S., particularly for people who regularly send money online to friends or family. Fortunately, consumers can keep an eye out for certifications that many trustworthy companies enlist to guarantee that their customers' personal information will be well-guarded.

One of these certifications is the TRUSTe Privacy Seal Program. TRUSTe is an organization that reviews company's privacy policies. They only issue a seal to groups that offer superb consumer protection.

The Better Business Bureau is one of the most trusted consumer advocacy agencies in the U.S. This group also issues a seal to indicate that a company is trustworthy and has not been cited for any predatory policies that may compromise one's personal information.

Lastly, those who are sending money on the web should look for the VeriSign Secure Sight Seal, which is a large check mark in a maroon circle. This mark is provided to websites that ensure that private information is encrypted, meaning it can't be read by unauthorized third parties.

These certifications aren't given out to any company – organizations that want to be verified by these security industries must go through a rigorous application process. Additionally, consumers can submit complaints should they question the privacy and security of an organization that has received a verification.

In order to receive a seal from TRUSTe, businesses must submit copies of their online privacy statement, completed master services agreements and a completed self-assessment form provided by TRUSTe. The privacy statement must outline notice of how personal data is collected and used, consumers' privacy choices and consent, access by individual customers to their personal information and a summary of the security measures employed by the website. All of these documents will be reviewed by security experts at TRUSTe before the certification is given.

To be accredited by the BBB , applicants must have been operational in a BBB service area for at least one year and must fulfill all licensing and bonding requirements of their jurisdictions. The BBB will also check to ensure that the organization has not been reprimanded by the government for any action that compromises BBB standards. Companies certified by the BBB must also prove that they have advertised honestly, accurately represented their products and services and maintain transparency. This includes disclosing to customers the terms of written contract, the total cost of all transactions and the company's return/refund policy.

When sending money internationally, consumers should familiarize themselves with these seals and always be sure that the company they use to send international money transfers feature these certifications.

Whether you're a regularly traveler or have family members living abroad, if you're planning on receiving an international wire transfers, you may be wondering what the safest method for an overseas transaction may be. Before you ask a loved one to send money, remember that the safest place to pick up a large sum of money is a bank.

There are many companies that allow their customers to send money to locations in different countries. Often the international facilities where the money is received may be in less-than-ideal locales, such as questionable neighborhoods or off-the-map regions.

Money wiring companies that allow their patrons to send money in the form of a bank deposit offer an extra level of security. International banks are typically easy to find and are usually located in a safe neighborhood.

Additionally, banks often employ security measures to safeguard their customers and the money held at the facilities.When picking up money at a bank, customers can ask for envelops to keep their cash safely out of reach of thieves who may target travelers.

The U.S. Department of State lists several safety tips for travelers and reminds those who are taking a trip abroad to avoid alleys and poorly lit streets, and to be wary of pickpockets.

Identity theft is a concern for many in the U.S., particularly for people who regularly send money online to friends or family. Fortunately, consumers can keep an eye out for certifications that many trustworthy companies enlist to guarantee that their customers' personal information will be well-guarded.

One of these certifications is the TRUSTe Privacy Seal Program. TRUSTe is an organization that reviews company's privacy policies. They only issue a seal to groups that offer superb consumer protection.

The Better Business Bureau is one of the most trusted consumer advocacy agencies in the U.S. This group also issues a seal to indicate that a company is trustworthy and has not been cited for any predatory policies that may compromise one's personal information.

Lastly, those who are sending money on the web should look for the VeriSign Secure Sight Seal, which is a large check mark in a maroon circle. This mark is provided to websites that ensure that private information is encrypted, meaning it can't be read by unauthorized third parties.

These certifications aren't given out to any company – organizations that want to be verified by these security industries must go through a rigorous application process. Additionally, consumers can submit complaints should they question the privacy and security of an organization that has received a verification.

In order to receive a seal from TRUSTe, businesses must submit copies of their online privacy statement, completed master services agreements and a completed self-assessment form provided by TRUSTe. The privacy statement must outline notice of how personal data is collected and used, consumers' privacy choices and consent, access by individual customers to their personal information and a summary of the security measures employed by the website. All of these documents will be reviewed by security experts at TRUSTe before the certification is given.

To be accredited by the BBB, applicants must have been operational in a BBB service area for at least one year and must fulfill all licensing and bonding requirements of their jurisdictions. The BBB will also check to ensure that the organization has not been reprimanded by the government for any action that compromises BBB standards. Companies certified by the BBB must also prove that they have advertised honestly, accurately represented their products and services and maintain transparency. This includes disclosing to customers the terms of written contract, the total cost of all transactions and the company's return/refund policy.

Shoppers should familiarize themselves with these seals and always be sure that the company they use to send international money transfers feature these certifications.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, there are approximately 9 million cases of identity theft in the U.S. every year. However, there are steps one can take to protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud when sending money online.

The first step to sending money securely is to ensure that the computer you are using is safe. Using strong passwords and guarding personal information, such as your social security and credit card numbers, will cut your risk of having your identity stolen.

Keep an eye on your bank accounts and be sure to check your statements regularly. Should someone manage to tap into your account, it is essential that you identify the issue and inform your bank as quickly as possible.

If you plan on sending money online, inform your bank that you will be doing so. This will prevent your bank from freezing your account, and may also help the bank identify false usage of your funds.

Using a wire transfer service is a way to make sure that your account will remain safe and sound. When selecting a service, be sure that they have been approved by the Better Business Buerau and that the site is VeriSign secured.

The internet can provide services that allow us to connect with family and friends who live far away. However, the openness of the world wide web also creates opportunities for criminals who use the net’s anonymity to take advantage of those who don’t use safe strategies when browsing. Follow these three tips to enhance your online security:

1. Never give out personal information online

It’s essential to keep personal information, such as credit card and social security numbers, addresses, passwords and other sensitive data, private – especially when surfing the web. Should this information fall into the wrong hands, criminals could use it to steal your identity.

2. Be careful when using an unsecured computer

If you are browsing the internet at a library or a friend’s house, remember that many websites store personal information automatically. It’s best not to record passwords or other private info when using a computer that is unfamiliar.

3. Use well-known companies when transferring money

The internet can be a simple and easy way to wire money, but it’s always best to use a company that you trust when making online money transfers. This will ensure that your funds arrive at their destination safely and in full.